Biomarkers and Epigenetic Markers Associated With Pain in Patients With Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation (PAIN)

Region Örebro County

Status

Completed

Conditions

Atrial Fibrillation

Study type

Observational

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT05201989

276727

Details and patient eligibility

About

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia and the number of patients with AF is expected to increase substantially in the coming decades. One third of patients with AF report no AF-associated symptoms, but up to one-fourth report severe symptoms. It is unclear why patients' experience of AF-related symptoms varies so much. We have previously shown that patients with symptomatic AF exhibit lower pain tolerance than patients with asymptomatic AF, as well as impaired pain inhibitory control and facilitated summation of pain, indicating that pain sensitisation may be of importance in symptomatic AF. In patients with chronic pain conditions, several biomarkers and epigenetic markers associated with generation and /or maintenance of chronic pain have been identified. Previous research of biomarkers and epigenetic markers associated with pain is sparse in patients with AF.

The objective is to study levels of biomarkers and epigenetic markers in blood in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF (n=100), in relation to severity of AF symptoms, and compared to age- and sex-matched controls without AF (n=100). Blood will be obtained before and after AF ablation and levels of biomarkers, epigenetic markers and cardiac and inflammatory markers, analysed. Patients will complete an AF-specific symptom and a generic health-related quality of life questionnaire.

In the future, biomarkers and epigenetic markers associated with pain may be used as a tool for evaluation of patients with AF and have an impact on individualized management. Another possibility is a rationale for future studies of novel analgesics that neutralize biomarkers or antagonizes its receptors.

Enrollment

200 patients

Sex

All

Ages

20 to 75 years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

On waiting list for AF ablation (only symptomatic subjects are offered ablation)
Paroxysmal AF and persistent AF (AF that is continuously sustained beyond 7 days, including episodes terminated by cardioversion after ≥7 days)
Written informed consent

Exclusion criteria